Today, the NFL announced that Gates has been named a finalist for the award. He is one if eight finalists chosen alongside Drew Brees, Calais Campbell, Vernon Davis, Andrew Luck, Joe Staley, Eric Weddle and Tramon Williams.

NFL Legends Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin and Karl Mecklenburg selected the eight finalists. Now, Gates and his peers will be listed on the Pro Bowl ballot under the NFL Sportsmanship Award category when players vote on Friday, December 14. From the eight finalists, each team's players will submit a consensus vote of their choice for the winner. As in Pro Bowl voting, a team cannot vote for its own player.

The winner selected by the vote of the players will be announced during the nationally televised NFL Honors show on Saturday, February 2 on CBS, the night before Super Bowl LIII. He will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice. He will also receive a trophy that represents the important role that sportsmanship plays in the game, and how NFL players that demonstrate integrity and honor on the field serve as role models for players at all levels.

The eight finalists for the 2018 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award have been named. The award is presented each year to an NFL player who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition. pic.twitter.com/9DFe8ARmwb

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